Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness

A Department of Homeland Security video provides safety advice for those who work in office environments. This video contains graphic reenactments that may be disturbing to some.

The safety and security of students and campus employees and visitors are essential components of a great experience at UT Dallas.

The following departments have primary responsibility for the safety of the campus community:

The University's Police Department patrols campus 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The department serves the UT Dallas community with a mix of commissioned officers and public safety individuals. The UT Dallas Police maintain a close relationship with public safety teams for the city of Richardson, including its police, fire and emergency management departments. The city of Richardson Fire Department responds to incidents on campus and works with our fire marshal to monitor facilities for fire prevention.

Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) helps ensure a safe and healthy living, working and learning experience. Staff members monitor and maintain environmental and laboratory safety, offer training and work collaboratively with schools and departments across campus to mitigate hazards. EH&S also is home to the University's Office of Emergency Management.

Alert systems throughout campus supplement safety efforts. An outdoor siren system warns residents of severe weather or other hazards approaching the area. The system typically is tested on the first Wednesday of each month. Indoor voice alert systems are in place in most academic facilities and in the residence halls.

Emergency call boxes (e-phones) connected directly to the police communications center are strategically located in the academic and residential areas of the campus. All e-phones are identifiable by a blue light at the top of the pole that illuminates at dusk.

The UT Dallas community and guests are encouraged to help keep the campus safe by taking the same precautions for personal safety and belongings you would take elsewhere:

Be aware of your surroundings when walking around campus, especially when alone. Call x2222 from any campus phone to request a police escort.

Always know where exits are in case of fire or other emergency.

Close windows and lock your vehicle when leaving it.

If you have a bicycle, lock it to a solid, fixed object.

Plan now to stay informed in an emergency. In emergencies, traditional communications systems can be overwhelmed. Our homepage is always the most authoritative source of information in emergencies. But if it should be rendered inaccessible, UT Dallas offers alternative communication channels you should make note of now, before the need arises.

How to stay informed:

Make sure your cellphone number is up to date in University records for text message alerts. See instructions to change your number in the Galaxy system.

Add the number to get recorded update information to your mobile phone: 972-883-7669